Private sector accommodation
Most students will live in privately rented accommodation at some time during their studies. London offers an enormous range of accommodation; you will need to think about the options and plan well in advance.
Lists of privately-let properties, private halls of residence and hostels are available from the University of London Housing Services (ULHS), who also offer a housing advice service to King's students. Their main annual publication,The London Student Housing Guide, is packed full of useful information and helpful tips. The ULHS has a comprehensive website which offers helpful guidance on:
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Choosing the type of housing which is most suitable for you and suggestions for where to start looking including registered agencies, local newspapers etc.;
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Useful tips on finding your way around London and staying safe; staff cannot find private accommodation on a student’s behalf but are able to give help and advice on finding somewhere to live;
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Housing advice and information about the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and how to protect your housing deposit.
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ULHS contact details : University of London Union, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HY Tel: 020 7862 8880 e-mail: housing@lon.ac.uk
King's Accommodation Services also arranges presentations and talks about living privately and information will be posted on our web pages throughout the year. See Private Housing Events for more details.
King's Student Advice and International Support are also able to offer advice on housing issues and have some useful information on their web pages regarding house-hunting, moving in, moving out, Council Tax and problems and disputes.
If you require a Council Tax Exemption certificate please contact The Compass to apply for one.
Private halls of residence
In recent years the number of privately operated student residences has grown. Some student residences are operated by charities whereas others are run by companies as a commercial operation. Some companies run residences under a nomination agreement with a particular university but other private residences accommodate students from any university.
The ULHS holds a private residences list of student residences which are owned and managed by private companies/charities where you can find out more about the options available. All of the residences on the list have been visited by ULHS staff. This student accommodation option has expanded considerably over the last few years such that these 3rd Party Providers have an extensive portfolio of properties in and around London which may be of interest to some King's students.
Before signing an agreement with a private student residence please consider the following:
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How long is the residence agreement? Is it much longer than my course?
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How much is the rent. Are there any extra charges?
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Can I break the agreement if I change my mind or my circumstances change?
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Who will I be living with?
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Are there good travel links to King's College?
Before you sign an agreement ask the company to supply more details, in writing, if you are unsure of anything. You may wish to contact Student Advice and International Student Support or ULHS who are able to check tenancy agreements for you and advise if they contain unfair terms.